Several major retailers, including H-E-B, Costco, and Walmart, have pulled various frozen fruit products from their shelves after a producer issued a voluntary recall due to potential contamination with the hepatitis A virus.
The affected products were grown by Willamette Valley Fruit Co. in Mexico. They were sold in Texas and across the United States under the Great Value and Rader Farms brands, NBC 5 DFW reported.
While no reported cases of hepatitis A have been linked to the frozen fruit products so far, the proactive recall serves as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential harm.
The recalled products include Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Mixed Fruit, and Antioxidant Blend, as well as Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend and Organic Berry Trio. These products were available in both bulk and packaged forms.
The Great Value brand products recalled last week were sold in Walmart stores between January 24 and June 8, while the recalled Rader Farms products had been sold in Costco and H-E-B stores since last year.
Consumers who have purchased these items are urged to check the recall notices issued by their respective retailers for detailed information about the affected products and how to go about obtaining a refund.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, according to the CDC. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. While most patients recover fully within a few weeks or months, hepatitis A can cause severe illness in certain cases.
Customers who have consumed the recalled frozen fruit products and are experiencing any symptoms or concerns are advised to consult with healthcare professionals promptly. Those who have purchased but not consumed the affected frozen fruit products are encouraged to dispose of them or return them to the respective retailers for a full refund.
A full list of the recalled products, including lot numbers and expiration dates, can be found in the FDA recall announcement.
